EU cohesion policy is the main investment policy of the European Union, whose aim is to reduce disparities between developed and lagging regions and to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion. It is implemented through funds, the largest of which are the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus and the Cohesion Fund. In Slovakia it is the source of most public investment in transport, the environment, education, healthcare and business support. The rules are set by European legislation, but each state agrees the specific focus with the European Commission in the partnership agreement and in the programmes. Understanding this logic helps applicants understand why the conditions are set as they are – it is not only the benefit for the company that is assessed, but also the contribution to the objectives of the policy as a whole.
See also: Partnership Agreement, EU funds.
